Steelers can flip script with win over Bengals in Week 11

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL regular season, three key focus areas emerge as essential to their success. With some changes to their personnel and better execution, the Steelers have an opportunity to flip the script with a win over the Bengals on Sunday, keeping their top spot in the AFC North, and improving their standing in the AFC, overall.

Injuries could lead to game-time decisions

Friday’s official injury report should shed light on who steps onto to field to play in the divisional rivalry rematch this weekend. While corner Darius Slay is a likely scratch, the Steelers just signed Asante Samuel to their roster. Although staff were non-committal when asked if Samuel is game-ready, the team could activate him off of the practice squad to pair with Joey Porter Jr.

Of moderate concern was a groin injury that Alex Highsmith played through last week that kept him from participating in practice Wednesday and Thursday. The Steelers have solid depth at the position, with Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer capable of taking that spot opposite T.J. Watt.

It is unclear whether receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling will get a shot with Pittsburgh this week. He was on the practice squad as of Thursday night.

Improved offensive execution a key to victory

After a disappointing 25-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10, Pittsburgh’s offense is under pressure.

Regarding quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Joe Kuzma of Steel City Underground wrote that Rodgers “had his worst game as a Pittsburgh Steeler, completing 51.6% of his passes, throwing two interceptions and failing to find a rhythm or avoid pressure. One of his three sacks resulted in a safety against the Chargers, adding a turnover and two points to the opponent.”

The Steelers have become more one-dimensional when they’ve not established the run game. Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell could alleviate the burden Rodgers carries to make more completions if the offensive line is more successful against a Bengals defensive line short two of their top defensive ends.

The offense also needs to clean up its third-down efficiency. Tight end Pat Freiermuth acknowledged the issue: “Cleaning up third down is on the agenda against the Bengals,” he said and then addressed why the offense had struggled by admitting, “Lack of detail and just being able to execute what we’re being asked to execute.”

The Steelers converted just two of 11 opportunities (18.2 per cent) in Week 10. That has to be better if they want revenge over their Week 7 loss to Cincinnati.

Defense: stop the run to defend the pass

The Steelers game plan really isn’t much different this week than it was previously against the Bengals. One of the main themes for Pittsburgh’s defense is limiting the Bengals’ rushing attack so that Cincinnati becomes predictable and easier to defend.

Defensive captain Cameron Heyward stressed the importance of gap discipline and finishing tackles after the Bengals’ last meeting, when running back Chase Brown racked up 108 yards on just 11 carries. Heyward said, “Stopping the run has got to be huge for us… then those quick throws aren’t as detrimental.”

The Steelers can’t afford to allow the Bengals offensive attack to be multi-faceted on Sunday. They need to lock-in regardless of personnel on the field. Poor communication played a part in their loss to Cincy earlier in the year; they need to be on top of that and then play to the ball, whether it is being carried, thrown, or caught by a Bengals player.

Final thoughts

The Bengals enter this game coming off a bye week but have had struggles generating consistent offense and defense.

Pittsburgh’s offense needs players to step up and D.K. Metcalf could encourage that by working with Rodgers to set up favorable route situations and playing at a higher level.

The Steelers defense leads the league in sacks and pressures, while the Bengals defense has surrendered big gains through the air and on the ground. Expectations are that this game with be a battle.

Pittsburgh’s path to victory in Week 11 hinges on three fundamentals: defense shutting down the run to force predictable offensive sets, converting third-downs and sustaining drives on offense, and treating this game as the pivotal divisional rematch it is. Get those right, and the Steelers should be positioned to not only reclaim momentum in the AFC North but also flip the script they’re sending out to the rest of the league.